Η οπτική των Ελλήνων παιδαγωγών σχετικά με το ρόλο τους και τη συμπεριληπτική εκπαίδευση που σχετίζεται με το φύλο στο πλαίσιο των προσχολικών κέντρων.

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aims to gather preschool teachers' perceptions of gender identities and stereotypes and how they evolve within the educational context. In addition, the educators suggest solutions for inclusive education that include the unique characteristics of children and constitute the school for all children. Finally, their perceptions of male educators in preschool centers are presented. Purpose: This study aims to gather and analyze preschool teachers’ perceptions about gender, gender characteristics, gender stereotypes in preschool classrooms as well as the role of male preschool teachers. Method: A qualitative study was designed including semi-structured interviews with preschool teachers. Interviews were analyzed with the use of thematic analysis. Teachers were asked about gender and its characteristics and about their interaction with children in the classroom. They were also asked about their opinion of gender identity formation in preschool centers. Finally, they asked how they perceive the participation of male teachers in the educational process and what they suggest about a successful inclusive program related to gender. Results: The educators distinguished gender in biological and social by describing how they perceive it and from their answers it seems that they distinguish different characteristics depending on the gender of preschool children, which they explain that it happens due to stereotypes derived from factors such as family and society. It is interesting to note that children should be treated equally. Regarding male teachers, they state that they would like to have more practitioners in preschool centers, although some argue that they are not sure what would happen in this case regarding the formation of children's gender identities. Yet, they suggest that the best way to achieve an inclusive program that does not discriminate on the basis of gender is to continuously educate and inform teachers of preschool centers in order to identify the shortcomings and the right way of managing gender issues. Finally, a male educator states that many people believe that if you are a male and an educator you are a pedophile, homosexual or child abuser. Discussion: Gender has two aspects, the biological and the social. Educators tend to attribute different characterizations to boys and girls and say that this is a consequence of stereotypes. The educational framework, they claim, plays an important role in shaping children's gender identities. Although male educators continue to be the minority in education, it seems that preschool educators would like to have a larger percentage. They state that they do not know exactly what the men could do but they believe that it would be helpful in the pedagogical work. Finally, they argue that there is a lack of education on relevant issues of gender and that an inclusive school would be the framework that would include all children without excluding any. Keywords: gender, gender identities, male teachers, preschool, inclusive education